John and Elizabeth Edwards celebrate 30th anniversary with renewal of vows, Wendy's dinner

WP "Reliable Source": 30 Years Later, New Vows and a Tryst at Wendy's

John and Elizabeth Edwards took a break from the campaign trail to celebrate their 30th anniversary yesterday by renewing their vows. The couple wrote new vows for the private ceremony at their Chapel Hill home; the small group in attendance included kids Cate, Emma Claire and Jack. Then they headed to their favorite romantic restaurant: Wendy's.

The two law school students wed on July 30, 1977, just days after graduating from UNC and taking the bar exam. The 24-year-old groom gave his 28-year-old bride an $11 ring (she's still wearing it); the honeymoon in Williamsburg lasted one night. On their first anniversary, they were in the midst of a move and dropped by Wendy's for dinner -- a tradition they've repeated every year since. Last night, the renewlyweds dined at the hometown fast-food joint; he had a cheeseburger and iced tea, she had chili and a Frosty.

To wish these two wonderful people long life, continued love, and the greatest of happiness and success. Their gift to me is an image to hold - all day, today - of a world filled with people like these. If that were reality, we would not need a heaven.

I love this story. Most marriages are, in the last analysis, pretty happy (even some that end in divorce, believe it or not).

I believe that being able to really love someone is the greatest gift that life can give. I am enjoying my long marriage. I recommend marriage with the caveat that you have to bring the capacity to love or the willingness to learn to love to the marriage.

After my many years of marriage, I have come to believe that "the capacity to love" is a combination of selflessness, egolessness and self-respect. It is a tricky balance, but the exercise of finding that balance prevents boredom and keeps lovers aware and engaged in their relationship.

The maxim "talk is cheap" does not apply to lovers. While a good relationship requires action and not just "talk," in my opinion, "talk" is the means through which most couples who succeed in marriage or long relationships strengthen their relationship.

I'm not a huge Edwards fan but at least he doesn't have a problem showing that he likes food like that and that he's still a down-home kinda guy, despite his success. Bush may wear the cowboy boots but you'd never see him going to Wendy's for a dinner. If he did the press would have covered it.

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards holds the hand of his wife Elizabeth during dinner in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, July 30. 2007. The Edwards were celebrating their 30th anniversary with the tradition of dinner at Wendy's. (AP Photo/Sara D. Davis)

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